Summer reading reviews

I've tried to read several books this summer and have finished a depressing percentage of them. I do not always love the books chosen in my two book clubs, but at least they get me trying new material. I am such a slow, picky reader that I don't keep reading a book if I feel like it is not worth the amount of time required for me to finish it. Time is precious. And I read slowly.

My top summer read is Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I could not put it down.

I have never been in to romance novels. They tend to be too trashy and fluffy. But this story based very loosely on Hosea in the Bible contained an inspiring message of love in marriage and the redeeming love of God. Although the main character is a recovering prostitute, Rivers keeps it surprisingly clean. Clean enough for a prude like me. :) I was hooked, laughed, cried, and even got Jared a little interested. Five stars!

The other books that I have started and pathetically have not finished this summer include:

• The Shack, Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity, William P. Young 
• The Circus Fire: A True Story of an American Tragedy, Stewart O'Nan
• Samurai's Garden, Gail Tsukiyama
• The Shadow of the Wind, Carlos Ruiz Zafron

The Shack mingled too many philosophies of men with scripture and lost me when God was portrayed as a African American, teasing female. To the author's credit, it can be found in the fiction section, but not my kind of fiction. I am trying to finish it however, so I can talk to a friend about it. Slow and steady, maybe I'll finish it.

The Circus Fire is my kind of history story telling, but moved too slow to hook me before I moved on to Redeeming Love. :) I am also trying to finish this one. It is my slow-going bathroom book. 

Samurai's Garden was simply boring and fluffy. Even after the book club discussion, I am not sure what the take home message was intended to be. Sad.

Shadow of the Wind is supposed to be awesome, and it probably is very interesting. It lost me after 80 pages when a scene left me unable to trust the author's clean content anymore. Maybe that's a double standard after loving Redeeming Love, but it is what it is and I already returned it to the library. Maybe it will captivate me on round two.

Other books I have read this year that I loved and highly recommend are:

• Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption, Laura Hillenbrand
• Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, Amy Chua
• The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic and Madness at the Fair that Changed America, Erik Larson

These are true stories, which I really enjoy. Since I read slowly, true stories are a better use of my time because these are real people with a real history. They connect me to the world I live in and I appreciate both the story and my fellowman more.

Unbroken was the best. I listened to it in the car and so Jared enjoyed a lot of it with me. We could not wait to get back in the car and hear more. We learned about the Olympics, WWII in Japan, pilot training and the capacity of human survival. Amazing read. Or should I say, amazing listen?

Battle Hymn was a super quick read and caused me to evaluate my parenting methods. I learned more about Chinese parenting and enjoyed that I finished motivated to be a better parent.

The Devil was very dark at times (the devil always is, isn't he?) and also slow going with architectural details, but only in pockets. The other sections kept me hooked. I learned so much about the World's Fair, American architecture, patriotism, and the criminal mind. Unfortunately, my take home message was that psycho killers could be anyone, even the very likable charismatic guy next door. A sobering reality check. But still an amazing read.

What's that you say? You didn't ask for my book recommendations?!? Sorry, you got them anyway. :) Happy reading!

Wedding and Reunion

The guy and I took a trip to UT this month to join most of my family for my sister's wedding. Constant party! I adore my family. We really enjoyed this trip and the bride and groom were GLOWING. Words cannot describe how happy I am for my sister's new found happiness. 

 We celebrated lots of summer birthdays at a party. These peeps joined us.

 This indoor playgroup was absolutely perfect for the guy and I wish there were one in my neighborhood. The soft and clingy structures are perfect for him to practice climbing and strengthen his leg muscles and balance. It was heaven for him. Bless his heart, he is not prone to athleticism but he adored this gym.

 He worked SO hard to get to the top of this pink beast.

"what is that girl doing, mama?"

 Wedding day:

 The guy just wanted to dance on the empty dance floor all night. And he did. All by himself, most of the time.

 I wanted to make sure I got at least one picture with each of my siblings, self-portrait style. 

 And the 'rents.

I had to add my sister-in-law for good measure. She is basically a sister anyway because she has been in our life and family since I was 12. :) 

 The gorgeous view of the golf course and mountains from the reception. There's nothing like rocking out on the tee to celebrate a wedding. :) The groom is a golfer at this country club. I have to say, he chose an excellent venue. 

 Last and definitely least, my sad right leg. This pregnancy has turned my right foot into an elephant foot, glorious with bulging veins, clots, and just this week edema. Pregnancy doesn't have to be difficult, but my experience has shown it is not easy-peasy either. I feel great, but my body has changed. For some reason, the left leg is totally unaffected, but my right side is struggling. Only a few weeks left and we'll be +1!!!!! 

I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it!!! Come on, you know you want to sing a long and maybe even dance with me.....

Family Portraits

Before our trip to UT we took family portraits. Here are a few. We didn't focus on the pregnant belly, but got a couple with it. :)

Looking good, eh? :) Especially my handsome boys.

Happy Birthday, the guy!!

Happy birthday to my little guy!! This birthday was a bit chaotic. Our family was separated; he and I out of town celebrating Aunt Karla and Uncle Lance's wedding. The daddy was home and missing us. The married couple now share their anniversary with the guy's birthday. Consequently, his birthday celebrations were ongoing all week. Saturday we had a joint birthday party for several family members who were together and have birthdays this summer. Thanks Aunt Marsh!!

"Look at the cool paper I got!"

Thank you to everyone who gave him gifts to celebrate his two years! Such much love and generosity! Thank you Aunt Jenn & fam for the amazing play kitchen and all the play food, Grandma for the magnetic doll and balls, Grandpa O and Mimama for the card, & Aunt Marsh & fam for the truck crayons. He got a train set, mega blocks, and play food from his parents. :)

To the guy: I have never loved a little person like I love you. Happy birthday, son. You have taught me to slow down, listen more closely and love more fully. Thank you. The day of your birth was one of the best days of my life. I love you and look forward to many more celebrations of your life. :) love, mommy